2nd and 3rd Day of Marquis Treatment

2nd day was Sunday for treatment.  I thought I got to the barn before Jamie fed the horses but I just missed it.  I told Jamie about Biscuit and asked him to lock him up and not feed him in the morning as I would feed him.   He gave me a little bucket of feed to I could put his medicine on it.  I went to his pasture and he was looking at me with his though bubble saying "what are you doing here?  I am not coming in the corral".

I took the bucket out to him.  He acted like he was going to flee begone as he does in the pasture at times.  He finally decided to eat the pellets while I just stood by him petting him and hugging him up.  After he finished, I left the pasture, washed the bucket and put it up.  Stopped and talked to Donnie at the barn.  So day 2 of Marquis was completed.

Day 3.  I got to the barn around 8:30.  Biscuit just stood there so sweet for me to put his halter on him.  I was talking to Jennifer Dontz on the phone so as I drove/walked Biscuit up to the front I stopped to let him eat grass while I finished talking to Jennifer.  Biscuit was pretty sweaty as it was humid.

We got up to the wash rack, I got his pellets, added the medicine and fed it to Biscuit.  He ate all of it while I sprayed him off, washing his legs.  Then I scrubbed his mane and tail with Kirk's Castile Soap to whiten them.  I washed his face and squirted water up in his sheath...pretty much a spa day.

Lee Ann Brown arrived and got Rogue out and cleaned him up.  Biscuit dried off and I brushed his mane and tail out and then brushed him.  OMG even after hosing him off he was full of dust/dirt.  I told Lee Ann I felt his hair should have looked better on the Platinum Performance but considering the EMP maybe the PP kept him from looking like the pits.   She said she could see what I was talking about his eyes looking dull.  They also looked somewhat puffy all around them.

Lee Ann took Rogue to go down to his paddock and I got Biscuit to go and he was wanting to trot to catch up with Rogue.  I snapped some iPhone pics of him as we went and videos when I turned him out.  He took off running and bucking.  He still has dull looking eyes but he was a little spunky and I was glad to see that.  Maybe even just 3 days of it is helping.

So many of the Old Cowgirls Never Die - They Keep On Riding gang are praying for him.  So many telling me their horses recovered from EPM with the Marquis and some asking what symptoms that I noticed in Biscuit.  One lady is noticing the dullness/depressed look and I said call your vet and get the test.

I did text Kassie at Doc's office and ask what the results of Biscuit's test were so I would know the exact numbers and this is what she sent:

These are the pictures I took of Biscuit today.  The top one came out so beautiful.  Tomorrow I will put him in the arena area so that we can watch to make sure he is pooping correcting.  He didn't poop on the wash rack today so I didn't see if it was too loose or too hard.  Lee Ann Potter suggested it so we can make sure the medicine doesn't jack his bowels up.

Biscuit Has EPM

One of the worst things in the world for your horse to get - EMP - has found its way into my boy Biscuit.  Over the last 8 weeks or so, I thought Biscuit was acting a little strange.  Almost like he was sad and depressed.  It was a look in his eyes.  Not perky...not lively...not Biscuit.

We rode quiet a bit in April and May.  At the first of April he was moving out and lively.  By May not so much.  I started having severe bursitis in my left hip - I noticed when I was riding the top of my thighs hurt.  Later it was my left hip/top of leg.  I camped in June with my regular peeps and I was in agony just taking care of Biscuit.  Seems like we were both "to' up from the flo' up".  I went to the doctor.  She sent me to my knee surgeon.  Bursitis was diagnosed and my hip injected.  That was great as I couldn't walk very well and was in severe pain.  The shot helped and I rested it.

I took Aliva on a horse camping trip on July 7-9 at Ebenezer.  Getting the trailer and car loaded was a chore.  Off we went.  We rode Monday and Tuesday.  Biscuit just seemed off.  Wondering off the trail at various times.  Balked at going through the black hole.  Stopping in the trail and just standing there like he didn't want to move out.

When I tried to mount up it felt like I was slammed in the hip with a baseball bat.  Didn't hurt to ride but it hurt like the dickens to get on.  We had a good time but I must have said a million times "what the hell is wrong with you?" to Biscuit. 

When I dropped Alivia off at Doc's place I asked Kassie what she thought of how Biscuit was acting.  She said test him for EPM.  Hummmmm....I hauled him home and put him in his pasture.  The next day I spoke with the Lee Ann's and told them I was worried.  Lee Ann asked for details and I told her what I noticed and what Kassie said.  She said that is what she thought it could be.  I called Doc going down to Biscuit's pasture.  He said bring him tomorrow so I did.  He walked him up and down, pulling him sideways with his tail.  He said he was placing his feet where they were supposed to go and that was a good thing.  Blood tests were drawn.  Tests for thyroid and EPM were done.  His enzymes in his muscles were slightly high.  His thyroid is slightly under active.  Doc came out to the barn to take more blood to analyze the next evening on Friday.  He called the next day and said come get some thyroid meds for him.  Barry went and got it for me.  The tests were $403 - supplement $30.

I didn't hear back on the EPM til today which was a week and 2 days later.  Doc texted me this morning and said the EPM was positive and to come get the meds at noon.  I got there at noon and Doc and I planned out to give him the Marquis for a month and access after that.  No worming for now but should be ok for vaccines in September.  The bill today was $1,070.  Hoping we only need one round of this but I bet it is going to be 2.  Biscuit isn't wobbly on his feet or falling down.  I think I caught this very early. 

Barry, Morgan, Rori and Tristan went out to the barn to give Biscuit his first dose.  Ended up putting it over treats as he was fighting me like crazy.

Lee Ann and I talked about his COPD and what to do if I can't give him DEX when the heaving starts.  We will put him up in the barn with a fan on him.  Whatever it takes to get my boy better.

Platinum Performance

I received the Platinum Performance for Biscuit.   He is up to date on everything except teeth floating.  I will have his teeth floated soon.

Dear Denise,

We would like to welcome you to Platinum Colic Coverage™ and confirm that Biscuit has been successfully enrolled in the program.

Coverage™ for Biscuit will begin 28 calendar days from the day your order shipped. Please find a few important items below: 

Enrolled Horse: Biscuit

Platinum Colic Coverage™ ID: EQCO68534
Level of Coverage: $8,000

Scoops to be fed daily: Two

If you have any questions regarding Platinum Colic Coverage™, please don't hesitate to call a Platinum Advisor or click here to view the terms and conditions.

Sincerely,

Caitlin Wilson

Platinum Advisor

800.553.2400

clients@platinumperformance.com

Platinum Performance Supplements

Last year Lee Ann,  the barn manager, went to California and was very impressed with the condition of the horses.  They were on Platinum Performance supplements.  She got some for the barn.  I paid for Red to have it and Biscuit got some too.  Wow.  Made a huge difference in both of them. 

We were on it for a few months until Red was so fat and sassy I took him off of it along with Biscuit.  Biscuit looked fabulous. 

I rode with Layne a few weeks ago and we talked about how good Nelson looks.  She is giving him Platinum.  I decided to put Biscuit back on this supplement to keep my boy healthy for the rest of his days.  I just ordered it auto ship today which comes with Colic Surgery of $8,000 insurance policy.  Biscuit has NEVER colic'ed thank God. 

I should receive it by the end of the week and we will start Biscuit on it. 

I don't ride Biscuit hard but we do go miles and miles - 30 last week in just 3 days.  Trying to make sure he stays in good shape!! 

Ebenezer Trail Maps

Maps of Ebenezer that I have made with my Garmin are on my Face Book Page on Ebenezer Trail Maps page.  Check them out!  

He is gone.

April 9, 2019 . Today I lost Dashing Big Red to a probable heart attack.  I got a call when I was in Baytown by Lee Ann, the barn manager.  She thought at first it was a colic.  I called Doc and when he called back I was crying by then asking if he could please go to the ranch.  He said 30 minutes.  I had to get my neighbor to go get Barry - he wasn't answering his phone.  I called back and neither she or Barry answered.  I didn't have a good feeling about it.

When I got to the barn my horse was no where to be seen.   I thought Doc had taken him to the vet clinic.  Lee Ann broke it to me that he didn't make it.  I just broke down and cried.  She said he didn't suffer.  She said he was fine at 3:00.  Jamie came at 4 and told her he was down in the pasture sweating and rolling.  She brought him up front and evidently was heaving/jerking funny.  His head went down and he collapsed and had a seizure and died.  Doc couldn't do anything for him.

He had been moved over by the equipment barn and covered up.  I went and sat down by his head and kissed his face.  He was sweaty and still warn under the tarp but his head was already cooling off.  His eyes were closed and he looked like he was asleep.  His little tiny hooves were trimmed last week today.  Bless his heart...his feet were always so small.

My heart is broken.  I loved this big red hunk.  I rode him twice  in late 2017 and as always he was a pleasure to ride.  It is hard to take it in that he is gone.  I thought I would have Red until he was old old old.  He turned 18 last month on the 15th.

Tomorrow I will take a clipping of his tail and make bracelets for me and Margaret.  I called her and she was crying at one point on the phone even though she was trying to comfort me.

Tomorrow they will bury Dashing Big Red at Plum Nearly Ranch where he came to live with me 10 years ago...left for 6 years and came back 2 years ago to stay.  Even when he was gone, I kept in contact with his girls, bringing him home when it became time.

Run free my sweet darling boy.  Thank you for all you did for me.

Baron SL is going to be my little camper!

I am working on turning the little area in the front of the Baron with the wall slid back into a sleeping area.  It is small.  It is 63" x 53" plus the little bump out nose cone. 

So, not much area to work with but this is my ideas. 

1.  Sleeping bench

2. Storage under the bench

3. A/C in the tack door on the left side or whichever side the electricity is one which is usually the left side.

4.  Refrigerator stored inside.

5.  Portable potty. 

6.  Curtain for the window.

7.  Crate steps outside the door.

8.  Muck bucket, fork and broom, saddle stand will generally go on the 2nd stall side unless I am hauling both horses.


I decided on milk crates to make the foundation.  I found some on-line in Conroe.  I went over and bought 10 for $40.  Some need to be washed off.   I then bought a 5" thick piece of foam from JoAnn's that is 63" long and 22" wide. PERFECT.  It is $80 and I plan on using the sheets we used to use when we camped in the Royal.  They are soft jersey.  I have two sets and one is a deep pool blue and the other is lavender.  I also want to make a pretty quilt for it. 

I will make the curtain for the window to match.  I will also get a rug to match in colors to the quilt and curtain. 

This is the crates and the foam section.

Brenderup Baron SL is in the driveway!

Back in 2009 I had so wanted a Brenderup Baron SL - but I was afraid it was too heavy for my car plus the horses.  I had never hauled before so was very cautious.  That is never a bad thing!

A few weeks ago I was looking on FB and saw a lady wanted to trade a Brenderup Baron for a Brenderup Royal plus some $$.  We talked but she didn't have a SL - the tires were really bad she said (my Royal's tires are in good condition!) and was 761 miles away.  I wanted a SL anyway so I decided to just look what was out there.

OMG I found the PERFECT trailer in Virginia.  It was a 2008 Baron L SL and had never hauled a horse.  It had been kept inside under cover.  I emailed and then talked to the neighbor that posted it for the owner.  They were actually coming to Ft. Worth, TX in 2 weeks and offered to haul it here!  They were Seventh-Day Adventist as I am so that was a bonus!  I wanted new tires on the trailer as 10 year old tires could have dry rotted.  The trailer was absolutely pristine!

I paid what the owner asked plus the cost of the tires.  I sent a certified check, arranged for a temporary tag and Fed-X'ed that to him.  I got insurance on the trailer just in case something happened on the 1,100 mile trip.

My friend Cherie Reddick was kind enough to travel with me to Dallas to meet them on my 36th wedding anniversary!!  We had breakfast at McDonalds in Huntsville and a Starbucks Latte.  We stopped another time for water and bath room break!

We got to the meeting place and wow.  It was perfect.  The two couples couldn't have been nicer.  We hooked up the Brenderup after he showed me how to move the wall back.  Lights were on and off we went!  We gassed up right there and then headed out.

It towed better than the Royal which was great.  We stopped in Corsicana at the place famous for their fruitcake and had lunch.  We laughed and talked all the way there and back.

So glad she went with me.  I would have stayed over night had she not as driving all the way to Dallas and back is a little tiring!

So here is the Baron

So I am not the PROUD owner of 2 - yes 2 Brenderup's!  The Royal TC is now for sale.  It is a 2009 Brenderup Royal TC.  The tires and mats are in great condition.  Floor has been replaced (January 2018) and so has the ramp (November 2016).  Tags and inspection was done in May 2018.  Call or text 409-454-1931.

Dashing Big Red and Alfalfa

I bought a couple of bales of really nice alfalfa this past week at Vinton Feed Store.  They alway have the best alfalfa.  I got 2 three string bales.

I have just tore off little handfuls for the horses - no one is getting a flake.  Red is pretty dang big right now.  Biscuit looks good - not fat - not thin.

I got Biscuit out of his pasture and took him up to the barn.  It was so windy today.  I had thought about riding but changed my mind.  The tarps were flapping like crazy on the fence but Biscuit is used to those so he ignored them.  I was getting out my rasp, the stool and hoof stand when the little pans on top of the grooming box went flying - right into Biscuit's backside.  He startled a bit but that was it.  He didn't act like a fool.  I used those grooming gloves and cleaned him up after washing his legs off.  He is still shedding but didn't seem to be as much as before.  His legs are pretty hairy!!  Under his jaw had long hair but he looks nice.  I got the rasp out and rasped all 4 of his hooves.  I am going to do Red's Friday.

I got alfalfa for Mikey and Red.  Mikey is Lee-Ann Potter's little Halflinger.  He would come trotting across the pasture nickering to me when he was across from Biscuit.  He was glad to get a bite of alfalfa.  Poor old baby just gums it.  He doesn't have many teeth.  He is in his late 20's.  Beautiful little guy.  I am pretty fond of him.

I took Biscuit down to his pasture and cut of the remaining apple for him.  I checked his hay level.  I then went down to Red's pasture.

I have to walk down the row that is muddy as all get out to get to him.  All around his gate is fetlock deep in mud.  He was by his shelter and when I got near the gate he started out at a walk..then a trot for a few steps and then a canter all the way to the gate...mud be damned!  He always loved his alfalfa and I am glad that he will bond with me again.  Friday will be the day I will groom him if I it is not raining.  He is good about his feet so I am going to rasp his feet.  I can't afford to have them done so I will have to stick to a schedule of rasping every week or so.  It is hard for me to keep up with two horses but I will have to give it my all as I don't have the $$ to pay for that every 6 weeks when I have the tools and know-how to do it myself.

Biscuit was really good today with his feet thank God because he sometimes is a toot about it.  Hoping I can ride Friday...that would be a bonus!!!

Hard Winter

We have had a hard winter in southeast Texas.  Cold freezing rain and some snow!  Woot!!!

Red is doing great.  I have left him where he is as he has access to a full round bale.  Biscuit can't have round bales - it is bad for his COPD and I don't want to aggravate that!!!  He does fine until the really hot time of the year but COPD is COPD.

On January 31, 7 weeks and 2 days after my surgery I went out and got on my horse!!!  Wooooooot!!!!  I groomed him and put his saddle on.  I took his halter off like always and off he went - saddle and all.  Thank God The LeeAnn's and Chelsie helped contain him and I was able to get my reins around his neck and walk him into the arena.  I got the 3 step mounting block and LeAnn Brown held him,  Chelsie video'd and took pictures and Lee-Ann Potter was the cheerleader.

I put that foot in the stirrup (not very high off of a 3 step mounting block!) and swung my leg up and over that cantle!!!  YAYAYAYAYAYAYYAYAYYAYYAYAYAYAYAYYAYAYAAAAAAAA!  I was on.  We just walked around the arena about 5 times or so.  Not long.  I was able to dismount and that leg went right over that cantle.  Yay!!

  

Red looks better than ever thank God.  No longer thin and the Equiderma Lotion was a miracle worker.  He has spent this winter in a pasture by himself with just a wire fence separating him from Sydabo and Torique.  He has feasted on his own round bale (just Bahaia - not Tifton!  No more colic-ing for my boy!) and had extra feed.

Last week I pulled Red up to have his feet done.  OMG he was full of piss and vinegar.  He double barrel kicked at Sister and got corrected big time.  I tied him in the arena and went and got Biscuit.  Tied them near each other and Red was acting like a jackass.  I put him on the walker and he was semi acting like a goober. Miss Jean thought he was trying to lay down so I took him off the walker.  He was pawing and in general acting like a turd.  I separated him and Biscuit and brushed both of them and cleaned their hooves.  Craig did their feet and I called Barry to help take Red back down to his pasture.  I put him in one side of the arena and I took Biscuit down to his pasture.  I came back with my lunge whip and had Red going round and round in the small arena.  He did ok.  Could have done better.  Just full of piss and vinegar.  I paid their board and told Linda no more supplement for them.  Red needs to be handled more so as soon as this leg is better I will work with him more.

I groomed and rode Biscuit yesterday for just a few rounds around the arena.  I was able to dismount like a normal person.  Leg over cantle and all the way to the ground and then the left leg out of the stirrup.  Yay for me.  Hoping I can ride again this week for just a bit.

I think he is as good as he is going to get!

I went out to see the horses today.  I drove myself - it is easier to drive than to ride in the car - go figure that one.  I took Sister with me.

Had to go to the bank and Sister got a treat.  She loved that.  Then out to the barn. I stopped to see Biscuit and gave him a little handful of alfalfa.  His hair is standing on end and looks great.  I walked over and checked his level of hay in his shed.  He has enough right now.  I walked all around him to make sure there was no problems.  He needs to grow hair over where he hurt his foot but it looks ok.

I then went down to see Red.  He was munching on hay and came to the fence.  I took these pictures. As soon as Lee Ann gets back to the ranch I will discuss with her moving Red back with Biscuit.  I am going to start teaching Kayden to ride Red.    He is such a sweet gentle boy I don't think it will be hard to teach Kayden so he can be my riding buddy when Barry can't or won't go.